Katherine and Dominic sat side by side, their phones serving as shields against the awkwardness. An hour ticked by, each lost in their own digital world. The silence was oppressive.
Suddenly, the king's voice cut through the tension.
"How is it going?" King Ryder asked.
Katherine's phone clattered to the table as she sprang to her feet. "Good day, Your Majesty," she greeted. Her politeness was a stark contrast to the frosty atmosphere.
Dominic's smile was effortless. "What brings you here, Dad?" he asked.
King Ryder's expression was benign. "Nothing, I was just taking a stroll and decided to stop by to see how it's going."
Katherine seized the opportunity. "Very well, Your Majesty, we are done already." Dominic's scoff was instant.
"Really? So soon?" King Ryder's brow furrowed. "If I recall, my son usually takes the whole day talking with the girls, but why is yours so quick?"
"We really don't have much to say to each other." She said smiling nervously.
Dominic's scoff deepened. King Ryder's gaze lingered.
"Ok, but anyway, I wish you all the best." With a nod, he departed.
She let out a deep sigh.
Her shoulders sagged. Dominic giggled. Amusement danced In his eyes. Katherine's glare was swift. "What's so funny?" she snapped.
Dominic's grin widened. "You're just so eager to get rid of me." Her cheeks flushed. The tension returned. Thicker than before.
Their audience, still watching from the window, exchanged knowing glances.
Ethan whispered. "It's getting interesting."
Ruby nodded. "This isn't over yet."
As the minutes dragged on, Katherine's patience frayed like the threads of a worn tapestry. She rose from her seat, her movements a silent declaration of surrender.
"I'm leaving," she announced, her voice a gentle breeze on a summer's day.
Dominic's gaze flickered up from his phone, his eyes sparkling with amusement.
"Finally," he murmured, his tone dripping with sarcasm.
Katherine's expression darkened, a thunderstorm brewing on her horizon. But she bit back her retort, refusing to give him the satisfaction. With a swish of her skirts, she turned on her heel and strode away, leaving Dominic to his solitary musings.
The door to her room closed behind her with a soft click, a haven from the veranda's oppressive atmosphere.
She collapsed onto the bed, her body sagging like a wilted flower. Her gaze drifted to the ceiling, her thoughts a jumbled tapestry of frustration and despair.
"I can't believe I wasted all my precious time on that moron," she groaned, her voice a tortured whisper.
Frustration etched itself on her face, her features twisted in a mask of disgust.
Her hands clenched into fists, her nails digging into her palms.
"When will this be over?" she whispered, her voice cracking beneath the weight of her desperation. Tears threatened, their salty sting burning her eyelids. Her eyelids shut, her breathing slowing as exhaustion claimed her.
Her thoughts swirled, a maddening vortex of Dominic's smirking face, the king's curious gaze, and the selection's oppressive weight. Her dreams of escape beckoned, a siren's call to freedom.
Sleep's allure enveloped her, a soft blanket wrapping around her weary soul.
Her eyelids fluttered closed, her room growing quiet, a temporary refuge from the palace's intrigue and Dominic's piercing gaze.
★★★★
Days later, the grand dining hall filled with laughter and chatter as the royal family and the prospective brides gathered around the table.
King Ryder's gaze swept across the room, his eyes shining with delight at the peaceful atmosphere.
The ladies' faces glowed with warmth.
Dominic's absence was notable. The seer's arrival shifted the mood.
"Everyone, assemble!" he called.
The ladies rose from their seats. Their faces expectant.
"I can see you all have done well on your first task," the seer began. Smiles spread across their faces.
"Good," he continued. "Here is the second task: each one of you will prepare your best meal for the prince and the royal house to eat."
Excitement rippled through the room. Katherine's surprise was evident. Her eyebrows shot up. "You will pick a number as usual, just as you did before," the seer announced. "But remember... You will be evicted from this palace if you fail the task."
A hint of worry creased their foreheads.
"If the royal house doesn't find your food good enough, you will be evicted," the seer emphasized. "So, prepare yourself."
The ladies exchanged nervous glances. They picked their numbers.
Katherine's luck remained unchanged.
"Oh, come on! Why do I keep getting the same number?" she groaned.
A suppressed giggle swept the room. The king and queen fought to maintain straight faces.
"Katherine, you know it's against the rules to speak when the seer is still talking," King Ryder chastised.
"I'm sorry, Your Majesty," she sputtered. her face flushed.
The king's expression turned stern. "Well, it's too late... Your punishment will be given to you by the crown prince when he returns."
The room fell silent. Eyes widened in surprise.
"Sorry, seer, please continue," King Ryder urged.
"Thank you, Your Majesty," the seer replied. "That will be all... So prepare yourself; your task starts in three days." With a nod, he departed.
The ladies dispersed.Their faces reflected a mix of emotions. Anticipation. Nervousness. Determination.
Katherine's frustration lingered. Her gaze drifted upward. She pray a silent prayer For a change in fortune.
.
.
.
King Ryder's solemn expression commanded attention as he addressed his son about what the seer said and what Katherine also did that she needed to be purnished.
Ethan, lounging against the wall, raised an eyebrow. "Again?" he asked, amusement dancing on his lips.
Ruby's brow furrowed. "Why does she invite trouble?"
Dominic shook his head. "Katherine's a magnet for chaos... a grumpy cat, always landing on her feet, yet never avoiding trouble."
A low chuckle escaped Ethan's lips. Riley's curiosity sparked. "What punishment will you give her, Dominic?" he asked.
Every gaze converged on Dominic, His expression turned contemplative.
King Ryder's eyes narrowed. "Remember, son, she broke the rules. Her punishment must fit her transgression."
Dominic's jaw clenched.
Determination flared in his eyes. "I'll decide soon," he said. The room fell silent.
____
The grand hall filled with the soft murmur of conversation as the ladies assembled.
Dominic's entrance silenced the room. His gaze swept across the gathering.
"Alright, I won't waste too much of your time," he began. His expression stern. "I'm here to make a statement." Katherine's eyes widened. A smile curved the ladies' faces. "Starting from this moment, Katherine will be assigned to you as a messenger," Dominic announced. Katherine's surprise was palpable. Her eyes darting. Her face pale. "I was told she broke the rules and needs to be punished," Dominic continued.
The ladies exchanged knowing glances. Their smiles growing.
"In just three days, you can send her on an errand, and she will be delighted to serve you all," he said.
His gaze locked onto Katherine. Her discomfort evident.
"But... You can't assign her to do cleaning for you or other tasks the maids can do," Dominic emphasized. "You only need her services around the palace." His eyes narrowed. "Is that understood?"
The ladies nodded.Eager agreement. Dominic's gaze shifted To Katherine. Her face a mask Of resignation.
"Do you understand, Katherine?" He asked.
Katherine hesitated and gave a slight nod. Her eyes downcast.
"Good," Dominic said. "Everyone, have a nice day."
He turned And departed.
The room erupted Into snickers And mocking glances Directed at Katherine.
Her face burned, Her eyes flashed With anger And humiliation.
The ladies' whispers Cut deep.
"Looks like someone's in trouble."Stella said.
"Katherine, the palace servant."Diana mocked
Their laughter Echoed Through the room.
Katherine's gaze Fell To the floor. Her heart heavy With shame.